New Delhi: The central government has imposed a temporary restriction on diesel sales, limiting purchases to a maximum of 200 litres per vehicle per day in an effort to prevent fuel hoarding and black marketing.
The new rule will remain in force for 90 days, with the possibility of an extension if required. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said the measure is aimed at ensuring adequate diesel availability for the public and preventing misuse of retail fuel outlets.
Under the revised guidelines, large consumers will no longer be allowed to purchase diesel in bulk directly from petrol pumps. Instead, they must obtain fuel through wholesale distribution centres or their own authorised consumer pumps. Authorities have also advised that diesel should be dispensed only into vehicle fuel tanks or approved containers.
The government said the decision was prompted by a significant gap between retail and wholesale diesel prices, which encouraged some large users to buy fuel from retail outlets in large quantities. Officials warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found purchasing diesel for resale or engaging in unauthorised fuel trading.
